Perfect for date night at home or a casual dinner with friends, this Pasta Carbonara recipe is one you'll want in your repertoire! This pasta dish is easy to make, too, and can be served to family and friends in just a bit of time.Pasta Carbonara may be named for the charcoal makers of Umbria, but no one really knows. Made with pancetta, which is salt-cured pork belly (similar to bacon, but not smoked), and served up liberally with cheese and black pepper, this sauce was hugely popular with American GIs in Italy after World War II. Its delicious as a basic recipe, but you can also doll it up with fresh peas, asparagus tips, or sauted baby artichokes.